When director Tony Scott jumped to his death from a bridge back in August it was suspected that he may have had cancer or some other terminal disease. Yesterday it was confirmed he did not. In the report released by the coroner, they stated that Tony did have in his system a therapeutic dose of anti-depressants and also had a sleep-aid. Tony left notes, but they apparently did not explain why he killed himself. He had visited train tracks next to the bridge for his last movie, but if someone knows why he killed himself, no one is talking about it.
Because one of the side effects of anti-depressants is suicide?
ReplyDeleteIsn't irony fun kids?
YES @saroe! How could the FDA feel good about approving drugs with a side effect of suicide? How do they sleep at night?
DeletePharmaceutical companies are pure evil. They don't do it to help people they do it to make money.
DeleteDrugs are bad, mmmmkay. **steps out of lithium hot spring tub, wraps in towel, dances to changing room**
ReplyDeleteA side effect of anti-depressants is NOT suicide. A) teenagers need to be especially monitored but B) the reason suicide may occur after taking anti-depressants is because your mood lifts even to actually DO things. Depressed people may have suicidal ideation and that's why anti depressants need to be monitored by a health care provider bc when that depression starts to lift, it can first affect your energy level. So your energy level can increase but bc its early in taking the meds or its a low dose, the suicidal ideation is still there.
ReplyDeleteActually he was on Mirtazapine and it's a NaSSA, which typically carry a MUCH lower risk of suicide than a SSRI. (My daughter is prescribed Mirtazapine "off lable" to manage anxiety. We're OK with it because of this.)
ReplyDeleteAnd, on a side note, I suffer from major depressive disorder and the only thing that alleviates the crushing pain of a full depressive cycle for me is Paxil (a SSRI antidepressant.) As I tend to become suicidal while depressed, I'll take the additional risk if it means that I'll have a good chance of pulling through the depression.
Please don't condemn all antidepressants. Unless you've been there, you don't fully appreciate the good they can do.
Agreed, lets not make a big deal about the antidepressants. I am betting they had nothing to do with his decision.
ReplyDeleteSeek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Mirtazapine:
ReplyDeleteSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; confusion; decreased coordination; fainting; fast heartbeat; joint pain; mouth or nose sores; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or inability to sit still; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat, flu-like symptoms); symptoms of low blood sodium levels (eg, difficulty concentrating or thinking, memory problems, sluggishness, unsteadiness, unusual weakness); tremors; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; worsening of depression.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.
Correlation is not causation.
ReplyDeleteNot all pharmacology is bad, Scientologists. Antibiotics is why mothers don't routinely die after childbirth from infections, or lose a few of their kids before the kids get to adulthood for ordinary infections and strep or polo, which is why my grandmother didn't have siblings. They died, and so did her mother, when she was 3.
ReplyDeleteIf it's Ambien in his system or something similar, I hope he wasn't in a wakeful dream state and dreaming of the stunt he wanted in his next film. A relative cooked an entire meal at 3 a.m., didn't remember doing it, then called me in another city to blame me for sneaking into the house, leaving the stove on and a mess in the kitchen.
One of the very rare effects that has to be taken into consideration only because sometimes the meds don't help but suicide happen to occur while someone is on the medication.
ReplyDeleteSorry, off my soap box now. It's very sad that he died and I hope his family and friends get some kind of closure. Hopefully he's at some kind of peace. I always hate to think that maybe the final solution leads to something worse than the temporary problem, you know?
I can also testify to the value of anti-depressants. After my divorce and a year of therapy, my therapist had me see my MD and go on Paxil. I was on Paxil, later switched to another one (can't remember the name now) for a total of 4 years. I asked my therapist to specifically monitor me for suicidal thoughts because of the stories I had heard. I can honestly say that these drugs SAVED my life. It was the difference between walking in a thick fog and suddenly walking into sunshine. After 4 years I weaned off because I decided I didn't need them any more. Still have some depressive relapses from time to time but they're much more manageable now. And it helps knowing that if I become severely depressed again, I can go on the drugs again. Please remember that for every person who has a problem with the drugs, there may be 10 people who are helped.
ReplyDeleteI've tried them all. If you haven't experienced it, you don't understand.
ReplyDeleteOMG, Mirtazapine?
Let me tell y'all what happened--I JUST TRIED THAT ONE--the last one I hadn't tried.
Within 4 days/four doses, I had ever-increasing tunnel vision.....all black around my sight-lines, NO peripheral vision. Tunnel vision is a side effect of many types of SEVERE mental breaks, btw.
With the tunnel vision, the kicker was--that at the very center of my small field of vision, was a tiny dot whose name was SUICIDE. I found myself having to avoid looking straight ahead AT ALL TIMES, as the SUICIDE-"Let's go" dot would only get bigger, and take control of ALL my thinking.
The same drug Tony took, did this to me. Thankfully I've been through EVERY drug, and was in control of myself enough to STOP after only 4 days. I would estimate in my experience since Prozac was first prescribed, that one out of 7 brain-drugs would have my mind completely haunted (sometimes literally, like the vision thing) by suicide.
If you haven't truly gone through the HORRENDOUS roller-coaster of brain meds, PLEASE try and save your judgment or guesses or speculation. It is a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone---this taking of pills that change your brain chemistry, sometimes to disastrous results.
Thanks for listening, all.
MIRTAZAPINE--SMFH!!!! Scary shit.
Well said, Libby. I always look for your comments when this subject comes up for clarification on this topic.
DeleteI too had been on a roller coaster of drugs. Prozac, Zoloft, Trazadone, Celexa, Paxil, Remeron, Buspar,and Cymbalta. I have been prescribed Ambien. All of these drugs, with the exception of Cymbalta made me feel weird, horrible, like I was the Incredible Hulk (Paxil), acid trippy (Remeron and Ambien) and all around alienlike. I have not been on any pharmeceuticals in almost 4 years now. Sometimes I have bad days, some good. I am in control though, not the medicine.
DeleteI am not saying that antidepressant haven't helped a lot of people. In my opinion I think people should explore diffrent avenues other than chemical ones. I have been prescribed antidepressants in the past and they did not work for me. I felt horrible. Just please please please do a lot of research before your doctor puts you on meds. Ask questions, get second opinions, explore other ways.
ReplyDeletehttp://chriskresser.com/the-dark-side-of-antidepressants
Libby, thanks for your insight on Mirtazapine. My 17 year old daughter has been on it for 5 years (prescribed "off-label" to manage the anxiety that came from being stalked) and THANKFULLY she hasn't experienced any side effects other than falling asleep within an hour of taking it.
ReplyDeleteI've always kept an eye on her while taking it but, having never taken that particular drug, I wasn't exactly sure what I should be looking for. I'll keep your comments in mind when I talk to her about her experiences with it going forward. (I've been on just about every antidepressant and/or antianxiety drug over the past 30+ years, just not that one.)
@libby, so sorry that you had that bad reaction! But so interesting what you said about tunnel vision--I remember descending into depression in 1997 (a relatively mild case, compared to what many people go through) and having tunnel vision and telling people about it, but I never actually knew this was common. Hunh.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, psychiatry is still an inexact science. Some people are helped by a given drug, others hurt.
The best thing is a conservative, cautious psychiatrist who doesn't over-prescribe.
Thanks for always the niceness everyone. Sorry I get really worked up about this crap. Because nothing has ever worked for me, and I've experienced some truly altered states on the stuff they're selling.
ReplyDeleteBut after my experience with Mirtazapine---I am not at all surprised if he had enhanced suicidal thoughts. I was at a 'therapeutic' level too, the starter level. It could have been me on that bridge, in my state of mind on that drug. I just happened to have visited that hole I was being pulled into (on meds & without) many times before, and recognized it and put the brakes on.
My 24-year-old son came home from work one night and put a garbage bag over his head and tied it closed with some yarn. He died. He was prescribed Ambien for sleeplessness and Zoloft for the depression caused by sleeplessness. He was not clinically depressed, he was not suicidal. He had no desire to end his life, yet he did. There are thousands of accounts of people sleep-driving, sleep-sexing, sleep-you name it and instances of impulsive suicide. These stories will break your heart. Do some people get needed relief - yes. Do some people do crazy, impulsive out-of-character things? Yes. Some of these drugs are killers - be warned.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, jsteward. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about how painful his loss must be for you :(
ReplyDeletejsteward, I can't begin to imagine the sadness you must feel. Thank you for sharing your story and may your son rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteHugs to jsteward. I just started taking Ambien a week and a half ago, and since then I have had nightmares, and a panic attack. I should mention I don't think I've ever had a panic attack in my life, and the nightmares...I quit taking it and hope it gets out of my system soon. For me it is incredibly toxic. Wish I were the only one. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI took Lexapro years ago and it worked for a while until it turned ugly. I was aware (from my doctors, therapists, pharmacists, and the paperwork that was slipped in with my pills) that suicidal thoughts could be a problem. I asked several friends to also be aware and let me know if they noticed anything off about me. All my support people knew to check in with me.
ReplyDeleteLexapro caused some seriously violent nightmares and I could see how they could possibly lead to self harm. I switched meds and never had those issues again.
Antidepressants are a life saver when you have a support team involved.
Jsteward- I have been a long time reader and have never commented before, but when I read your story- I just had too, to tell you that I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I can't even imagine how horrific that must have been for you.
ReplyDeleteOne of my good friends has bi-polar and I have watched her run the gambit of medications. Some have helped and some have made things worse and she also attempted suicide, but fortunatly she was found and saved. These medications have good intention, but they are changing the chemicals in your brain and are not to be taken lightly.
Hugs to jsteward and libby. Thank you for sharing your stories.
ReplyDeleteJsteward, I am so so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Libby- I learned something new today about the horrors of those drugs, thank you.
when you start the anti-depressants,one of the first side effect is to be uninhibiting whereas you're always depressed so you need to be more taken care
ReplyDeleteRIP Tony
Mirtazaprine is used to help with sleeplessness. As is Remeron and Trazadone.. They have to be taken at MUCH larger doses to have any therapeutic effects (example, Trazadone for depression has to be 300 mg or greater; it's used as sleep assistance due to the side effect of drowsiness, and since many people have problems sleeping with MH issues, it is why it is used in that way).
ReplyDeleteLibby- sorry about the side effects you have experienced. However 4 days is in no way an adequate trial to see if a medication works, especially an SSRI as it penetrates the blood-brain barrier allowing your brain to process the serotonin appropriately. What pharm companies (and insurance companies by extension) consider therapeuric time is approximately 9-12 weeks, so that if the insurance companies reject the request, we can provide a history of adequate trials to get a med approved that might work better.
Although I can understand frustration when meds are having wacky side effects (and extreme nausea, rash, ect the meds SHOULD be discontinued) and the fact that antidepressants don't work for approximately 30% of the population, lumping all psychiatric meds don't work or pharmaceutical companies are evil is extremely irresponsible and a potential barrier to other considering getting treatment. I've stated previously I really feel bad when one has to go through different meds to get any good results and I can understand the frustration.
The thing is psych meds are not supposed to be utilized in absence of therapy. (Some people certainly are fine with that.). However, severe and recurrent depression is an issue that is best treated through meds and therapy. Meds help one think clearer, therapy can help with better decision-making skills.
I will say that as a licensed therapist I am a proponent of therapy, and will also say not everything works for everyone. In a year's time, I went through leaving an abusive husband/inlaws with my 11 month old infant son, my brother getting diagnosed with cancer and passing away from it, and getting a psychological eval for custody. The next year, the IRS tried to hold me repsonsible for taxes on my ex's income he didn't report (I was granted full relief after I proved my case), another psych eval (the first one put my ex in a bad light, the second one was even worse) and my grandmother developing dementia to the to point we had to put her in a skilled facility because of safety issues. I'm also a full time working single mother still fighting custody and many other things, but those are the major ones. I did not go on any psychotropic medication during that time and still am not. I did, however, use the SHIT out of techniques I teach my clients, a LOT of prayer, and keeping focused on my son. So all are different. I don't think anyone understands how difficult it is when someone who works in MH and sees someone that could potentially benefit from medication refuses to take it because of horror stories. I don't fault anyone sharing their experiences, but please remember that a comment can have a significant effect on someone that may benefit from it. I think you were clear in stating what your own personal experiences are, however, making blanket statements could potentially be very detrimental to others.
@jsteward - I''m so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteRemeron IS Mirtazipine...
ReplyDelete...I know - I was on it for 4 years for SLEEP (45mg at sleepytime), and it worked like a sweet charm. ZERO side effects, even with my burned-out system!
That said, I concur that not everything works the same way with everyone. That's because we're all different people - which a zillion years later the med biz is finally seeing and agreeing that "gene mapping" for each patient may provide insight to what works for them or not. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!!!
EVERYONE is on (or has been on) some type of AntiDepress med. Even alcohol (ironically). So it works for some, horrid for others.
Sadly, docs give them out like skittles, never thinking that one size does not fit all. If a Chemo drug that kills cancer also kills depression, you wouldn't give it willy-nilly to every sad-suzie now would you? I hope not.
Depression IS serious business. But everyone is different. Those who NEED those meds SHOULD have them, and tailored to their needs. Those who don't? Shouldn't.
Sadly, there ARE those who know the truth as to what drove this warm, wonderful, amazing talent (Tony) to his death. They'll have to live with it, b/c Tony left his troubles down here. RIP Boss (Condolences, again, Donna).
Oh yeah-- since, from what I can gather, you claim to be RDJ-- then please help with esophageal cancer awareness!!! I know a writer from Arrested Development/Bronx Warrants and dude who wrote My Bloody Valentine who also knew my brother. I bug them frequently to promote awareness and education!
DeleteYou may have been to different kinds of psychiatrists than the ones I work with. The ones I do (clinic/agency) are actually very cautious with meds. They will start at a low dose and titrate up from that, even with Zoloft, which FDA has been deemed to be safe in 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Same with Lamictal in case of Stevens-Johnsons syndrome. Benzos are very strictly regulated and when they are given they're at the lowest dose that is still therapeutic to the client. Exceptions occur, of course, but there's other antianxiety meds, such as Buspar, that aren't benzos.
ReplyDeleteAgain this is why I am a proponent of neurology and Area 25 stimulation. The thing that is different with psychiatry meds is one can't take a blood sample and determine depression, anxiety, OCD-- it's a rule out process. Same reason I make sure clients follow with their med doctor. There is no use for a psychiatrist to be treating anergy, anhedonia, listlessness, ect if it turns out the pe4son may have, for example, a thyroid issue, or onset of diabetes that the person is unaware of. That's why it is so difficult (in my opinion) for some to take psychiatry seriously as a science, and most psychiatrists are also neurologists.
Also. -- i understand your point, but comparing chemo and depression is ridiculous. If you meant that a doc might be willing to perscribe something that will help but have pretty serious side effects, ethical doctors wouldn't. Again this is why I bring in the therapy part because coping skills can be so effective.
Also, the cancer patients I have worked with, and my own brother, many times have a lot more optimism than their family members/friends, and they're the ones going through the chemo. Having been the main caregiver to my brother (Esophageal cancer at age 32) and being a therapist, there's a different kind of mindset. I've really wanted to have a therapy group for both professional and private caregivers, but, most insurance companies arent all about paying for it. So I've been thinking about making it a support group. I've also tried to be proactive with educating and promoting awareness about Esophageal cancer. My bro had no warning signs and never smoked in his life. In the last 20 years there's been a 400% increase is that cancer diagnosis.
Sorry for that ramble, I think it was the chemo/depression comparison. I got so much inspiration and hope from my brother, who was going through it, that yes, there is a point many chemo/cancer patients get depressed. For the most part, I have seen those people be a source of strength for their loved ones.
Libby, here is to you never being in such a dark place again, and to jsteward, I cannot imagine your pain. May your son rest in peace.
ReplyDelete@jsteward - I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI, too, had a bad experience with Ambien. When my brother was prescribed it to help him sleep post surgery, I warned him about it. He mentioned it to his surgeon's PA who said, "We've never had a case of anyone having a bad reaction to Ambien." I think she's a fucking liar. I was looking after my bro post surgery, he took Ambien (and a pain killer and antibiotic) as directed and I found him rambling the house in his sleep, saying crazy, nonsensical things that he doesn't remember. I found him up at 5am making coffee in his sleep--thank god he didn't try to cook! The thing that work me was the sound of him breaking a dish, and he wasn't even aware of it. Later that day we had them phone in a new sleep aid.
I guess I was lucky. I had a 30 day supply of Ambien after surgery when I had trouble sleeping - took the 30 days worth over about 3 months. Mr. B said he never saw me do anything unusual.
ReplyDeleteThe other med I took other than Paxil was Zoloft - remembered the name when I saw it here. I'm sorry for those who had so many problems with it, but there are many, many people who it has helped immensely. And don't knock Big Pharm - they brought you antibiotics, medication to control high blood pressure, insulin for diabetics and many other worthwhile, important drugs. Even aspirin has bad side effects for some people. You have to be very careful.
I'm sorry I came on to this article so close to the end of my lunch. I can't read all the comments.
ReplyDeleteI'm on Cymbalta, and it has helped immensely. I've been on it for over a year now. Lately I've had bouts of darker thoughts (not sure why), but when I'm in them I know they won't last long. I tried Paxil - *that* was terrible for me. I felt very suicidal when I was on it. Everything seemed hopeless to me. I was on it for about a month then decided to quit cold turkey. It was as if I suddenly noticed the sun actually shone.
While I'm very sorry to hear about the bad experiences of those with regards to psychiatric drugs, let's remember that anecdotal evidence is not data. Statistically speaking, these medicines are more therapeutic than horrific and offer less invasive methods of treatment. Before thorazine and lithium, the primary treatments of schizophrenia and depression were localized lobotomy and electroshock therapy respectively (those with depression who are extremely sensitive to medication might want to try electroshock, which is highly effective for those whom have little or poor reaction to psychotropics, btw). As for the nature of side effects, that's all medicine. You can see horror stories about heart meds, kidney pills and even proven life saving drugs like AZTs come with a whole host of side effects. Let's not resort to scientology level tactics here. Be educated, not afraid. If you are prescribed something, know it's effects, side effects, it's cross-listings and dietary prohibitions. Do not be a passive patient.
ReplyDeleteI love Zoloft. It changed my life. The only regret I have about it is that I didn't start taking it 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteMybrothehero---Sorry I'm late coming back, but if I had taken mirtazapine (brand name Remeron) for LONGER than those 4 days, it would have 'worked' alright---worked me right into a coffin.
ReplyDeleteKind of ridiculous to think I could stay on such a drug, don't you think? My psychiatrist thought quitting asap was the right thing too, if there's any doubt to that.
I'm telling you, suicide began palpably staring me in the face, wooing me, polluting my every thought and action. It didn't matter if I closed my eyes, I could feel the heat of it, like a hot light. It was starting to consume me. I've gone through this cycle many times in my life, for various reasons (meds or no), and am thankfully sane enough to recognize it quickly.
I could have sunk too far to come out if I'd taken it longer. I would say I had 'tested it out' quite long enough. Thanks for the advice though. I'll tell my doctors. Not really.
I do think you think you're being helpful---but come on. Think a minute, and stop just quoting books.
It's actually pretty insulting you're insinuating all I know is what I quote from books. While I have read a lot of studies and research when news meds come out and got my degree because I did have to read a lot of books, anything I post here is my words only. I have been in the field a fair number of years and talk w/ psychiatrists all the time. I've never said anything with the intent of belittling or insulting someone. I would never want to do that or hurt anyone's feelings.
DeleteWhat I don't understand is that although I learn new things every day (one of the reasons I love what I do) I have enough experience and credentials to be considered an expert witmess in court. Yet it seems that when I say something I actually have a lot of info about you have dismissed it as quoting from a book. Maybe you didn't mean it that way, but it's certainly the way it's coming across to me. I'm no better than anyone else. But if a mechanic told me what was making my car act wierd, I'd be inclined to believe him because I'm pretty clueless to that.
Independent research I always encourage and I *always* make sure I discuss with people I see their diagnosis and any questions they may have. The danger of Internet research is most of it is BS.
And I also think you mean NO harm to anyone- you simply do not want anyone to experience what you did. - but please understand that when people make statements like that, even in passing, it affects others that aren't outspoken about being depressed. I have had to watch people get very, very low before they will take any med route b/c of "what I hear". If you read my comment, you will also see that I stated if there's any really bad reactions to stop, not continue. Even though this isn't a psych drug, I simply cannot take Ambien, so I don't.
My apologies for the Remeron. I meant to type Seroquel but I had several meds that cause drowsiness running through my head and well, obviously I didn't type it.
Hi Himmmm--You're a doll, btw.
ReplyDeleteToo many comments from me--but my conscience requires me to finally add that I'm so happy that some of you have found drugs that work. I simply haven't. Extremely resistant to everything. But I still try--I wasn't impugning the drug route by any means.
ReplyDeleteI originally commented to link quick suicidal ideation w/ my experience with the same drug as Mr. Scott.
I hope I didn't scare anyone from trying the pharma route, if they're hurting. You just have to be SO careful about noticing side effects when they begin. And as someone else noted, having an open dialogue with someone close, or family, about helping you notice your mood changes is the absolute best way to to be safe, and to know which ones are positive.
Thanks.
For the record, I disagree.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone is on antidepressants.
Look at me: Happy as a clam.
@mybrothehero, thanks for posting. I appreciate your words and your knowledge.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you so much, JJ. Really. I try to post when I have a thought or insight about something, just to share with others (whether it be correct or not!) But most of the time no reply or I get dismissed. It may be my nerdiness, because I really talk like that LOL. I've had people over the years be truly depressed and no amount of medication will change it unless they do something on how they react to what's going on, because that's all *anyone* had control over. I think I made it through the last couple years of hell by focusing on what I could control (which was hardly anything; you have no control over cancer) and changing my reactions in order to function because I had to.
DeleteI also self disclose to clients when appropriate. What I always try to reinforce is, don't have a tragedy occur in order to know what your priorities are in life. Sadly, I think it's a lesson many don't learn until it's happened. Experience changes perception. When my brother died, that was one of the worst things that will ever happen in my life. I love and miss him so much. What it has done, too, is even if I'm having a bad day or frusterated with life in general, I remember how upbeat and positive and encouraging he was throughout the entire year of his illness. And our conversations. I still talk to him, of course, and it's not the most satisfying relationship because he's not physically present, but what relationship really is satisfying all the time?
Anyway, yet another long message, sorry. Lol. Please don't ever hesitate to ask me anything if you would want. Thanks again for the kind words.
mybrothehero, I think you may not have realized how what you said could be interpreted. I had the same reaction as Libby, because 2 days on Celexa had me on the verge of killing myself, and I felt like you were saying I should've stuck it out to wait for the positive effects, and there is just no way in hell.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't know if you're new here, but Libby has been incredibly open about her experiences with depression, and I am sure she has encouraged many people who are struggling more quietly. Yes, it's a problem that people are afraid of psychotropic medications because of stories they've heard, but knowing about the possible extreme effects is really important too. It's hard to find the line between caution and fear, but having more information is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteNew-ish, as in I have read for several montha and post occassionally.
ReplyDeleteIf you did take it that way, I'm sorry, but PLEASE re-read what I said. I didn't say "keep taking it even with awful side effects.". What I said was that pharmaceutical companies, and thus insurance companies, will not recognize 4 days as an adequate trial. This is very important when it comes to medication because when the individual has such bad reactions to meds, and prescribers try to go with a different med that would most likely be better for them, it is extremely common for the insurance companies to deny the script because of prescription coverage. When that happens, prescribers do everything they can to try to get the insurance company to cover it, and the main part of that involves documentation of previous meds attempted, the length of time, and the reason it was discontinued. If it doesn't fall within the 9-12 week ratio, almost always the medication will be denied, and th prescriber is forced to use something else other than their first choice.
And I agree about making sure an individual knows all sides of whatever medication, treatment, ect of. ANYTHING they do. And the fact that people are being more open to discussing mood disorders has really helped with the stigma with seeking assistance. However, people drive vehicles everyday, and the extreme effect of that is getting into a car crash.
Making blanket statements about anything that have pros and cons are irresponsible. With all my heart, I wish that anyone suffering could feel better 100% of the time, or that I could tell them to do something that will immediately make them feel better, because I care about the people I see and I genuinely worry for them when their symptomology is high. Libby (I mean this to anyone, but using her in this particular instance because that is who Mooshki is referring to) being open about her experiences I am sure has helped people feel more comfortable to discuss it. But that does not make her an expert on everything regarding psychiatry. More and more people's opinions are taken as fact, but when someone pops in with actual info, then that person is quoting out of a book.
That would be like me having experienced being pregnant and giving birth. I have went through the experience, but I'm not an OBGYN. There are high risks in epidural/spinal, and I have the choice to utilize them or not.
I'm well aware that people that have been posting a long time have'friends' on here, and that I'm not one of the people that know each other. In fact, anytime I post, I typically get no reply or a situation like this, which is why I read but don't post frequently. (And probably why my postings are too damn long). But this IS something I know stuff about, which I better, because I do this at work every day.
And please do not automatically assume I'm in favor of all meds, all the time. I'm not. As I previously stated, I have endured some awful times and got through without meds thanks to my support system, my faith, and focusing on my son. I *always* respect one's wish if they choose to go med-free. Often, however, people that go med free and/or have to switch meds due to poor side effects can "give up" on a medication regimen out of frusteration and upset that nothing seems to work. Again, med is only part of the equation. It is also what someone chooses to do/not do in their life. One can't expect for meds to make them happy, that's not what they're for. It's to help moods become a little more stabilized to think better and develop more appropriate skills to help. No where have I seen someone, except for some people above talking about their treatment team and trusted friends/family, talk about therapy in addition to meds.
ReplyDeleteThere will always be crappy psychiatrists and crappy therapists, along with other individuals who don't have the patient's/client's best interest in mind. There are also people that will give 200% to someone who is struggling but trying to get through and willing to make changes. I speak about this personally as well as professionally.